Are G-Dragon and Dara Dating?

BIGBANG's G-Dragon and 2NE1's Sandara Park (Dara): an item? Some insist — but their record label is chalking the imagined romance up to an apparent "joke."

The dating rumor sparked over this past weekend, when BIGBANG performed (Jan. 7 and Jan. 8) at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul as part of their 0.TO.10 Tour. Dara, along with several YG Entertainment acts including WINNER, attended the show — but it was what happened after the concert that has fans immediately freaking out online.

In fan footage from outside the venue (which has already racked up well over half a million views), both G-Dragon and Dara can be seen leaving the concert after-party together. G-Dragon keeps Dara close to him — like a boyfriend! — and at one point, he turns in closely to her. Some fans swear it's a split-second kiss, although it looks more like he's simply speaking to her...or just, you know, turning his head.

YG Entertainment, noticing the immediate explosion of noise surrounding the two superstars online, issued a statement today (Jan. 9): “G-Dragon suggested to Sandara Park that they have their photos taken in that pose as a joke, and photos were taken. It was a joke that turned into a dating rumor.” (Translation courtesy of Soompi.)

Surely a "no, they're just good friends" sort of statement would have sufficed — but a joke?

Fans immediately responded to the statement with amusement and sarcasm.

"I don't stan either of them and don't really care whether or not they are dating but honestly that is the lamest excuse I have ever heard from an agency," one wrote.

"Pretty sure the members of Big Bang just enjoy messing with people," added another.

Consider this romantic rumor squashed...for now, anyway. That said, there's always hope that the record label is lying. (The YG runaround regarding the demise of 2NE1, anyone?)